iPhone 5, New iPod Touch Can’t Keep Up With Rapid Scrolling [Video]

Apple’s new 4-inch iOS devices — namely the iPhone 5 and the fifth-generation iPod touch — appear to be suffering from a strange glitch that means they struggle to keep up with rapid touch inputs, particularly when scrolling at a 45-degree angle. The problem, which isn’t present on older iOS device like the iPhone 4S, is demonstrated in the two-minute clip below.

The issue was first discovered by CMA Megacorp, which highlighted the problem on Twitter:

Slide finger back and forth diagonally on screen, input events drop out or stop altogether.

Now, I know exactly what you’re thinking after watching that video. Who on Earth scrolls like that on their iPhone anyway? Well, you’d be surprised. While it’s unlikely you’d ever use apps in this way, rapid gestures aren’t uncommon in iOS games. If you’ve ever played a game like Fruit Ninja, you’ll know what I mean.

What’s strange — and worrying — is that the issue only seems to be present on the iPhone 5 and the fifth-generation iPod touch, suggesting it’s a problem with the new 4-inch displays Apple uses in these devices. The fact that it isn’t present on older devices, or even the new fourth-generation iPad, suggests it may not be fixed by a simple software update.

Have you encountered any problems with gestures not being recognized while gaming on the iPhone 5 or fifth-generation iPod touch?

About the author:

Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.

buckustoothnail

Apple products are getting worse and worse. The iPhone 4 screen looked better than the iPhone 4S screen, and now the iPhone 4S screen works better than the iPhone 5 screen.

Apple has become the JOKE of the tech world.

Felfac

from imore!! ftw

CharilaosMulder

I think it’s hardware prevention of faulty input. This gesture, if you will, is nothing you would ever use, not even when playing Infinity Blade. And: why would Apple make something worse on purpose when it works great?

Andrew Newsome

There is nothing wrong with “Apple Products these days”.

This problem does happen on my phone, but it’s never affected me. I only know because i just did it then to see if it happened.

Their products are still well made

MWinNYC

Just tried to replicate this on my iPhone 5, several times. My phone kept up just fine. Absolutely no glitches here.

MWinNYC

Just tried to replicate this on my iPhone 5, several times. My phone kept up just fine. Absolutely no glitches here.

dcdevito

There is nothing wrong with “Apple Products these days”.

This problem does happen on my phone, but it’s never affected me. I only know because i just did it then to see if it happened.

Their products are still well made

Yep – tell ’em they’re scrolling it wrong! lol

ronjiedotcom

Has it been ruled out that it’s not Mail.app or iOS6? Like maybe iOS6 or Mail intentionally stops the scrolling because who in their right mind tries to scroll mail diagonally and rapidly for more than a second? Just asking.

casao

Seriously?! Who would scroll like that? The Flash?! I agree with other user: I think it’s hardware prevention of faulty input.